An Oxford politician has expressed concern universities in the city may not "continue to thrive" if changes to the system act as a "barrier" to bringing in foreign students.

Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, is worried the government has plans to change the graduate Visa route amid suggestions from opponents of "widespread abuse".

This comes after the authority ordered the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to review the route, a policy that permits most foreign students to live and work in the UK for two years after they finish their studies.

Ms Moran said: "The Conservative Party, eager to look tough on immigration, seemed to hope that the MAC, an independent body, would recommend junking the programme.

"Instead the MAC’s report, published on May 14th, gives it full-throated support.

Oxford Mail: Layla Moran.Layla Moran. (Image: Jon Lewis.)

“Britain needs to attract the best global talent to drive innovation and maintain our standing on the world stage. That is why the government must continue the Graduate Visa Route. Don’t tamper with graduate visas.

“I am extremely proud to represent a constituency at the heart of research and innovation in the UK. For businesses and Universities in my constituency to continue to thrive, they need to be able to attract students and researchers from around the world.

“In the last few years, this government has erected barrier after barrier to innovators bringing their talent to the UK. If the UK is to become a scientific superpower then this Government needs to get serious and stop showing overseas researchers the cold shoulder.”

In a letter to the prime minister, Ms Moran said she was "urging" the government to "accept MAC’s recommendations and end any rumours of the UK making any changes to the Graduate Visa Route".

Oxford Mail: Oxford University buildings.Oxford University buildings. (Image: PA)

Some bosses at universities in the city have also weighed in with their concerns including professor Alistair Fitt, vice chancellor at Oxford Brookes University.

Professor Fitt said: “The Migration Advisory Committee is unequivocal in stating that there should be no changes to the graduate route.

"Their report also highlights the damage that has already been done to the higher education sector by the dependents ban for international students.

“We are proud to welcome students from around the world and they bring so many fantastic benefits to our community.

"Our international students at Oxford Brookes contribute £328m to the economy every year. Across the sector, international students enable a £37bn export market that benefits the whole of the UK.

Oxford Mail: Oxford Brookes University.Oxford Brookes University.

“We urge the government to listen to the clear findings of the Migration Advisory Committee and not make any changes to the graduate route.”

A government spokesman said: "We are committed to attracting the brightest and best to study at our world-class universities, while taking the necessary steps to prevent abuse of our immigration system.  

“We are now considering the Migration Advisory Committee’s findings and will respond in due course.”